OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between single dosage of 60Co radiation and the degree of radiation-induced skin ulcers, and to evaluate the curative effect of Heijiang Pill (HJP) on skin ulcer induced by various dosages of radiation in rats.

METHODSSixty-six Wistar female rats were randomly divided into three groups, the blank control group (n = 6) and the two radiation groups, each 30 rats, with their right hind leg exposed respectively to 60 Gy and 40 Gy of 60 Co radiation. The time of emergence and degree of skin ulcer were recorded. Then rats in the two radiation groups were subdivided into the HJP group, the Ethacridine group and the model group, 10 in each group, they received corresponding treatment after ulceration, and the incidence, pathology, cure rate and cure time of skin ulcer were observed in the 90 days of observation.

RESULTSThe incidence of skin ulcer was higher and occurred earlier in rats radiated with 60 Gy than that with 40 Gy (P < 0.05). In the same radiation dosage, the ulcer healing rate in rats treated with HJP was higher than that treated with Ethacridine (P <0.05), and in the subgroups of 40 Gy radiation, the mean cure time in the HJP group was shorter (P < 0.05). The local epithelial proliferation and repairing could be verified by pathological observation in the HJP group.

CONCLUSIONLarger dosage of radiation leads to earlier emergence and aggravation of ulcers. HJP can effectively cure radiation skin ulcer, and the effect is especially significant on the ulcer induced by low dose radiation.